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Who's ready for the May Bass Fishing Frenzy?

Our writers thoughts from the Classic

Author

Brian Carter
May 01, 2025

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Getting Off The Bank: Choosing the Right Option

By Bruce Callis

Getting off the bank and onto the water is one of the oldest wishes or dream. We think about owning a big fancy bass boat, but in reality, it doesn’t matter what we get. We just want to be able to hit those spots where the bass are. I still enjoy fishing from the bank. It’s simple. But it limits what we can do and when we can do it.

Our dreams and hopes lie in getting off the bank and you can find some really great options between new and used. Sometimes used can be a great option, but so many people have boats with no title. If you are only going to paddle around or in a private pond, you could be fine. But no title also means you have no idea about the history of the boat. While most people are honest, there are plenty who would sell you something that doesn’t belong to them.

Feature Story

April Transitions by Carson Maddux

Top tournament hacks by Carson Maddux

Fishing season is in full swing for everyone across the country. The northern waters are thawed out, and the lakes here in the south are firing. Bass can be caught on almost anything and in almost any depth. It is a great time to be on the water and probably my personal favorite time of year. There is something nostalgic about the excitement and anticipation of summertime that can not be explained. The lakes get busier and while it can be frustrating, who can blame the masses for wanting to enjoy what we have all year long. This week, I want to dive into something a little less technical and talk about some of the “hacks” I’ve learned to make tournaments more enjoyable.

Tournament fishing can be and in most cases is expensive. Especially if you are traveling and staying away from home. Lodging, gas, unnecessary but totally necessary tackle expenses all add up. In my experience, prepping for a tournament beforehand can help alleviate some of these costs. For example, grabbing groceries before leaving for the event can save you a TON. We have all done it; stop at a gas station and buy an energy drink, a few waters for the day, and maybe a snack or two. By the end of it you are dropping $15-20 at this gas station per day on drinks and snacks alone. Buying a case of water/drinks and your favorite snacks in bulk can save you both time and money. Not only this, but being properly fueled with better quality food/drink can help you perform better while on the water.

NEW PODCAST DROP

It doesn’t matter how you listen, but you can now listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & and iHeartRadio. Just click the link, listen & follow, or type in The Bass Vault wherever you listen to podcasts. Four New Episodes for you to check out 😃 

Top Baits for May Bass Fishing

By Calvin Herndon
Are you on the lake in May and unsure of how to catch a bass? Like many anglers, I struggle to have success during the times when bass are in transition. May is a perfect example of a transition period, so what is happening during the month of May? I am glad you asked. Let's dive into it.


May is a weird month because you have bass in all different stages of a transition. Let’s take a northern fishery, you still may have some bass in the spawning face in Ma,y and if you move south, those bass are already done spawning and heading to their post-spawn areas. In May bass become more active and aggressive, seeking out food sources like baitfish, Bluegill, and mayflies. Post Spawn bass become hungry and aggressive and they are ready to eat. Where do you find the bass in May? Bass can be shallow and deep in May it depends on what part of the transition the bass is in and their food source. By the end of the month, some bass will move deeper to recover from the spawn. The million-dollar question What are you going to catch them on in May?

Until next time,

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